Have you ever experienced a sudden, unexpected saliva spray while yawning or talking, leaving you red-faced in front of friends or family? You might have just 'gleeked', and you're certainly not alone. This peculiar and often involuntary bodily function, known as 'gleeking', is something that a surprising number of people can do, though most are unaware of their hidden 'talent'.

Gleeking occurs when saliva is ejected from the sublingual glands beneath the tongue in a manner somewhat reminiscent of a cobra spitting venom. It's a curious phenomenon that can catch many off-guard, especially when it happens mid-conversation or during a yawn, leading to an unintentional and sometimes embarrassing misting of those nearby.

Saliva is sprayed from glands beneath the tongue in the rare act of gleeking. Credit: TikTok

Medical experts suggest that around 35 per cent of the population may experience accidental gleeking. However, it's not just an involuntary reflex; with a bit of know-how and practice, anyone can learn to gleek on command. This might not be a skill you'd list on your resume, but it's certainly a conversation starter!

The art of gleeking has become a viral sensation on social media platforms like TikTok, where users share videos of their gleeking prowess, often in slow motion, to the amazement and sometimes disgust of millions of viewers. These videos have not only showcased the ability but have also turned into tutorials, with some gleeking guides amassing over two million views.

For those intrigued enough to try gleeking intentionally, the process involves a few steps. First, you need to stimulate the sublingual glands to produce more saliva by moving your tongue around your mouth. Next, press your tongue to the roof of your mouth as far back as you can. The final move is to push your tongue upward while simultaneously squeezing down, which, if done correctly, will result in a jet of saliva shooting out from under your tongue.

Some gleeking enthusiasts recommend eating or drinking something sour, like lemon juice or sour candy, to increase saliva production and make the gleek more pronounced. Dr. Mark Wolff, dean of the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, has been quoted saying that 'everyone' can gleek, though mastering the technique might take some practice.

Saliva, while often taken for granted, plays a crucial role in our digestive health, aiding in food digestion and keeping our mouths and throats well-lubricated for swallowing. While gleeking itself is harmless, aside from the risk of surprising someone with an unexpected spritz, it doesn't offer any particular health benefits either.

The reactions to gleeking on social media range from amusement to frustration, with many users sharing their own experiences of trying and failing to control this quirky ability. Some recount the awkwardness of accidental gleeks, while others lament overexerting their tongues in an attempt to replicate the feat.

One thing is for sure: gleeking is a unique quirk of the human body that can lead to both laughter and embarrassment. So, the next time you find yourself accidentally spraying a fine mist of saliva, take comfort in knowing that you're part of a select group of individuals with a rather unusual superpower.

Credit: TikTok​

Key Takeaways

• Gleeking is an unusual bodily function where saliva is sprayed from the sublingual glands beneath the tongue.
• Approximately 35 per cent of the population may gleek unintentionally, often while yawning.
• Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have seen viral tutorials on how to gleek, gaining millions of views.
• While there are no known benefits or hazards to gleeking, it can be socially embarrassing or annoying, especially if done accidentally near others.

Dear readers, have you ever experienced gleeking, whether by accident or on purpose? Do you see it as a party trick or a social faux pas? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss the curious case of the human body's secret super-squirt power!

 

[magpie1]

FFS.......

 

[mylittletibbies]

FFS.......

Exactly !!

 

[deni67]

That is just gross

 

[Johnnie boy]

Revolting

 

[marni]

This is neither a Discount nor interesting to Seniors. This abhorrent activity goes against good manners. Doesn’t happen if you cover your mouth. Germ infested activity